Language selection

Search

Patent 2679932 Summary

Third-party information liability

Some of the information on this Web page has been provided by external sources. The Government of Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information supplied by external sources. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information. Content provided by external sources is not subject to official languages, privacy and accessibility requirements.

Claims and Abstract availability

Any discrepancies in the text and image of the Claims and Abstract are due to differing posting times. Text of the Claims and Abstract are posted:

  • At the time the application is open to public inspection;
  • At the time of issue of the patent (grant).
(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2679932
(54) English Title: INTEGRATED IMAGING AND BIOPSY SYSTEM
(54) French Title: SYSTEME D'IMAGERIE ET DE BIOPSIE INTEGRE
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A61B 6/04 (2006.01)
  • A61B 6/00 (2006.01)
  • A61B 10/02 (2006.01)
  • A61G 99/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • RITCHIE, PAUL G. (United States of America)
  • SPEEG, TREVOR W.V. (United States of America)
  • DIETZ, TIMOTHY G. (United States of America)
  • HIBNER, JOHN A. (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC. (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. (United States of America)
(74) Agent: MACPHERSON LESLIE & TYERMAN LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2008-02-19
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2008-09-12
Examination requested: 2009-12-11
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2008/054230
(87) International Publication Number: WO2008/109247
(85) National Entry: 2009-09-02

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
60/893,454 United States of America 2007-03-07
11/852,757 United States of America 2007-09-10
11/852,750 United States of America 2007-09-10
11/852,742 United States of America 2007-09-10
11/852,728 United States of America 2007-09-10

Abstracts

English Abstract

A diagnostic station integrates patient support, imaging, biopsy, and treatment. An illustrative version of a prone mammography table localizes a breast with an imaging modality (e.g., X-ray, etc.) based upon a rotating C-arm that may encircle the localized breast. A biopsy system is integrated into the controls and displays or user interface of the diagnostic station, sharing integrated utilities (e.g., vacuum, power, data communication, etc.). Ancillary devices may be identified and authenticated by the integrated system, such as to base available functionality on the identification and/or authentication of an ancillary device. Ancillary devices that may be integrated with the system may include devices that are operable to perform surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, or other functions.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne une station de diagnostique comprenant des fonctions de support, d'imagerie, de biopsie, et de traitement de patient. Une version illustrative d'une table de mammographie dédiée localise un sein avec une modalité d'imagerie (par exemple des rayons X, etc.) basée sur un bras rotatif en forme de C qui peut encercler le sein localisé. Un système de biopsie est intégré dans les commandes et les écrans ou dans l'interface utilisateur de la station de diagnostique, partageant des utilités intégrées (par exemple l'aspiration, la puissance, la transmission de données, etc.). Des dispositifs auxiliaires peuvent être identifiés et authentifiés par le système intégré de sorte à baser une fonctionnalité disponible sur l'identification et/ou l'authentification d'un dispositif auxiliaire. Les dispositifs auxiliaires qui peuvent être intégrés avec le système peuvent comprendre des dispositifs qui sont destinés à exécuter des fonctions chirurgicales, thérapeutiques, de diagnostique, ou autres.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.




What is claimed is:


1. A medical apparatus, comprising:
(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly, wherein
the breast localization assembly is operably configured to compress
and localize a breast and is at least partially composed of a material
transparent in a selected imaging spectrum;
(b) a diagnostic imaging system movable relative to the breast localization
assembly for diagnostic imaging of a breast localized by the breast
localization assembly;
(c) a biopsy device attaching structure positioned proximate to the breast
localization assembly; and
(d) a user interface operably configured to activate the diagnostic imaging
system to capture a diagnostic image of at least a portion of a breast
localized by the breast localization assembly, wherein the user
interface is further operably configured to command actuation of a
biopsy device attached to the biopsy device attaching structure.


2. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the breast localization assembly
includes at least one movable component, where the user interface is further
operable to
control movement of the movable component of the breast localization assembly.


3. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the patient support comprises a
movable table, wherein the user interface is further operable to control
movement of the
movable table.


4. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user interface is further
operable to control movement of the diagnostic imaging system.


5. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user interface is in at least

partially wireless communication with one or more of the patient support, the
diagnostic
imaging system, or a biopsy, device attached to the biopsy device attaching
structure.



6. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user interface is further
operable to perform diagnostics of one or more of the patient support, the
diagnostic imaging
system, or a biopsy device attached to the biopsy device attaching structure.


7. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user interface is further
operable to movably position a biopsy device attached to the biopsy device
attaching
structure.


8. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a
monitor and at least one input device.


9. The medical apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one input device
comprises one or both of a keyboard or graphical pointing device.


10. The medical apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a remote storage
device
located remotely from the patient support, the diagnostic imaging system, the
biopsy device
attaching structure, and the user interface, wherein the user interface is in
communication
with the remote storage device.


11. The medical apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a local storage
device
located locally relative to the patient support, the diagnostic imaging
system, the biopsy
device attaching structure, and the user interface, wherein the user interface
is in further
communication with the local storage device.


12. The medical apparatus of claim 10, wherein the remote storage device is
part
of a hospital laboratory information system.


13. The medical apparatus of claim 10, wherein the user interface is
configured to
transmit data from a local storage device to the remote storage device,
wherein the user
interface is configured to obtain data from the remote storage device in
response to an act of
transmitting data to the remote storage device from the local storage device.



14. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured
to
process and display information regarding biopsy samples obtained using a
biopsy device
attached to the biopsy device attaching structure.


15. The medical apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a
graphical user interface including a frame for controlling the diagnostic
imaging system and a
frame for controlling a biopsy device attached to the biopsy device attaching
structure.


16. The medical apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a remote controller
located remotely from the patient support, the diagnostic imaging system, the
biopsy device
attaching structure, and the user interface, wherein the remote controller is
operable to
command one or more of the patient support, the diagnostic imaging system, or
a biopsy
device attached to the biopsy device attaching structure.


17. A medical system, comprising:
(a) a movable table operable to support a patient;
(b) a localization assembly operable to localize a body part of the patient,
wherein the localization assembly comprises at least one movable
component, wherein at least a portion of the localization assembly is
movably secured relative to the table;
(c) an imaging system operable to capture an image of at least a portion of
the body part of the patient localized by the localization assembly,
wherein the imaging system comprises at least one movable
component, wherein at least a portion of the imaging system is
movably secured relative to the table;
(d) an ancillary device movably secured relative to the table, wherein the
ancillary device is configured to perform at least one of the following
functions:
(i) obtain a biopsy sample from the body part of the patient
localized by the localization assembly,
(ii) perform a diagnosis of tissue of the patient, or



(iii) perform a therapeutic function on the patient; and
(e) a user interface device, wherein the user interface device is operable to
control operation of the ancillary device and perform one or more of:
(i) controlling movement of the table,
(ii) controlling movement of the movable component of the
localization assembly,
(iii) controlling movement of the movable component of the
imaging system, or

(iv) causing the imaging system to capture an image of at least a
portion of the body part of the patient localized by the
localization assembly.


18. The medical system of claim 17, wherein the localization assembly is
configured to localize a breast of the patient, wherein the ancillary device
comprises a breast
biopsy device.



19. A method of performing a biopsy, the method comprising:
(a) providing a patient support structure having a localization assembly
configured to localize a breast of a patient;

(b) providing a diagnostic imaging system, wherein the diagnostic imaging
system is operable to image the breast of the patient;
(c) providing a biopsy device, wherein the biopsy device is operable to
obtain a biopsy sample from the breast of the patient;
(d) providing an integrated user interface device, wherein the integrated
user interface device is in communication with the diagnostic imaging
system and the biopsy device;
(e) localizing the breast of the patient in the localization assembly;
(f) imaging the breast of the patient, wherein the act of imaging the breast
of the patient comprises manipulating the user interface device to
activate the imaging system; and
(g) obtaining a biopsy sample from the breast of the patient, wherein the
act of obtaining a biopsy sample comprises manipulating the same user



interface device used to activate the imaging system, to control the
biopsy device.


20. The method of claim 19, further comprising adjusting the patient support
structure,
wherein the act of adjusting the patient support structure comprises
manipulating the same
user interface device used to activate the imaging system and control the
biopsy device, to
control the patient support structure.


21. A medical apparatus, comprising:
(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly operably
configured to compress and localize a breast and at least partially
composed of a material transparent in a selected imaging spectrum;
(b) a diagnostic imaging system movable relative to the breast localization
assembly for diagnostic imaging of the localized breast;
(c) a biopsy device attaching structure positioned proximate to the breast
localization assembly;
(d) an ancillary device interface, wherein the ancillary device interface is
configured to engagingly receieve an ancillary device; and
(e) an ancillary device authentication module in communication with the
ancillary device interface, wherein the ancillary device authentication
module is operable to perform an authentication function relative to an
ancillary device coupled with the ancillary device interface, wherein the
ancillary device authentication module is further operable to control
functionality of one or more components of the patient support, the
diagnostic imaging system, or the ancillary device, based on a performed
authentication function.


22. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ancillary device
authentication
module is configured to communicate bi-directionally with the ancillary device
interface.



23. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ancillary device
authentication
module is configured to determine authenticity based upon a communication
protocol used by
an ancillary device coupled with the ancillary device interface.


24. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ancillary device interface
is
configured to engagingly receieve an ancillary device through a wireless
communication
coupling.


25. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ancillary device interface
is
configured to engagingly receieve an ancillary device through one or more
proprietary
physical connectors associated with a particular type of ancillary device.


26. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ancillary device
authentication
module is operable to determine information regarding an ancillary device
coupled with the
ancillary device interface upon coupling of the ancillary device with the
ancillary device
interface.


27. The medical apparatus of claim 26, wherein the information comprises one
or
both of the model or manufacturer of the ancillary device coupled with the
ancillary device
interface.


28. The medical apparatus of claim 26, wherein the ancillary device
authentication
module is configured to compare the information against a stored record of
information
regarding one or more ancillary devices.


29. The method of claim 28, wherein the stored record of information is
located
remotely relative to the patient support, the diagnostic imaging system, the
biopsy device
attaching strucutre, and the ancillary device interface.


30. The medical apparatus of claim 26, wherein the ancillary device
authentication
module is configured to pull the information from an ancillary device coupled
with the
ancillary device interface.



31. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ancillary device
authentication
module is configured to select an access tier from a plurality of access
tiers, wherein each
access tier of the plurality of access tiers permits access to predetermined
sets of functions of
one or more components of the patient support, the diagnostic imaging system,
and the
ancillary device, wherein the selected access tier is selected based on an
ancillary device
coupled with the ancillary device interface.


32. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ancillary device
authentication
module is located remotely relative to the patient support, the diagnostic
imaging system, the
biopsy device attaching strucutre, and the ancillary device interface.


33. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein one of the ancillary device
interface or the ancillary device authentication module comprises a sensor
configured to read
a tag located on or in an ancillary device coupled with the ancillary device
interface, wherein
the ancillary device authentication module is configured to perform the
authentication
function based on a reading of the tag.


34. The medical apparatus of claim 33, wherein the sensor comprises an RFID
reader, wherein the tag comprises an RFID tag.


35. The medical apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ancillary device interface
comprises a physical interface feature configured to engage with a
complimentary physical
interface feature of an ancillary device.


36. The medical apparatus of claim 35, wherein the physical interface feature
of
the ancillary device interface is in communucation with the ancillary device
authentication
module, wherein the ancillary device authentication module is configured to
perform the
authentication function based on engagement of the physical interface feature
of the ancillary
device with the physical interface feature of the ancillary device interface.



37. The medical apparatus of claim 36, wherein the physical interface feature
comprises a microswitch.


38. The medical apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a prior use module
in
communication with the ancillary device interface, wherein the prior use
module is
configured to detect whether an ancillary device coupled with the ancillary
device interface
has been previously used, wherein the prior use module or the ancillary device
authentication
module is configured to selectively control functionality of one or more
components of the
patient support, the diagnostic imaging system, or the ancillary device, based
on prior use
detected by the prior use module.


39. A medical system, comprising:
(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly operably
configured to compress and localize a breast;
(b) a diagnostic imaging system movable relative to the breast localization
assembly for diagnostic imaging of the localized breast;
(c) a biopsy device interface, wherein the biopsy device interface is
configured to communicate with a biopsy device; and
(d) a biopsy device authentication module in communication with the biopsy
device interface, wherein the biopsy device authentication module is
operable to determine authenticity of a biopsy device in communication
with the biopsy device interface, wherein the biopsy device authentication
module is further operable to control functionality of one or more
components of the patient support, the diagnostic imaging system, or the
biopsy device, based on the determined authenticity of the biopsy device.


40. A method of controlling a medical system, the method comprising:
(a) providing a medical system, the medical system comprising:
(i) a patient support configured to support at least a portion of a
patient,
(ii) a diagnostic imaging system operable to diagnostically image at
least a portion of a patient,



(iii) an ancillary device interface, wherein the ancillary device
interface is configured to communicate with an ancillary
device, and
(iv) an ancillary device authentication module in communication
with the ancillary device interface, wherein the ancillary device
authentication module is operable to determine authenticity of
an ancillary device in communication with the ancillary device
interface, wherein the ancillary device authentication module is
further operable to control functionality of one or more
components of the patient support, the diagnostic imaging
system, or the ancillary device, based on the determined
authenticity of the ancillary device;
(b) coupling an ancillary device with the ancillary device interface;
(c) authenticating the ancillary device through the ancillary device
authentication module; and
(d) selecting a level of functionality of one or more components of the
patient
support, the diagnostic imaging system, or the ancillary device, based on
the authentication of the ancillary device, wherein the act of selecting a
level of functionality is performed at least in part by the ancillary device
authentication module.


41. A medical apparatus, comprising:
(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly operably
configured to compress and localize a breast and at least partially
composed of a material transparent in a selected imaging spectrum;
(b) a diagnostic imaging system movable relative to the breast localization
assembly for diagnostic imaging of the localized breast;
(c) a biopsy device attaching structure positioned proximate to the breast
localization assembly;
(d) a vacuum source and a vacuum port, wherein the vacuum source and
vacuum port are integral with the patient support, wherein the vacuum



port is configured to be fluidly coupled with a biopsy device engaged
with the biopsy device attaching structure; and
(e) a power source, wherein the power source is integral with the patient
support, wherein the power source is configured to be operatively
coupled with a biopsy device engaged with the biopsy device attaching
structure.


42. The medical apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a fluid capture
vessel
integral with the patient support, wherein the fluid capture vessel is
configured to be fluidly
coupled with a biopsy device engaged with the biopsy device attaching
structure.


43. The medical apparatus of claim 42, wherein the fluid capture vessel is in
fluid
communication with the vacuum source.


44. The medical apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a supply of liquid,
wherein the supply of liquid is integral with the patient support, wherein the
supply of liquid
is configured to be fluidly coupled with a biopsy device engaged with the
biopsy device
attaching structure.


45. The medical apparatus of claim 44, further comprising a multi-lumen
conduit
in communication with the vacuum source and the supply of fluid, wherein the
multi-lumen
conduit is configured to be fluidly coupled with a biopsy device engaged with
the biopsy
device attaching structure.


46. The medical apparatus of claim 45, wherein the multi-lumen conduit is
formed
of a unitary construction.


47. The medical apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a battery charger in

communication with the power source.


48. The medical apparatus of claim 47, wherein the battery charger is integral
with
the patient support.



49. The medical apparatus of claim 48, wherein the battery charger comprises
at
least one battery receptacle.


50. The medical apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a user interface
integral
with the patient support, wherein the user interface is operable to control at
least two of the
patient support, the diagnostic imaging system, or a biopsy device coupled
with the biopsy
device attaching structure.


51. The medical apparatus of claim 50, further comprising a communicator
integral with the patient support, wherein the communicator is operable to
communicate one
or both of data or commands between the user interface and a biopsy device
coupled with the
biopsy device attaching structure.


52. The medical apparatus of claim 51, wherein the communicator is operable to

communicate one or both of data or commands wirelessly.


53. The medical apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a source of
pressurized
air integral with the patient support, wherein the source of pressurized air
is configured to be
fluidly coupled with a biopsy device engaged with the biopsy device attaching
structure.


54. The medical apparatus of claim 41, further comprising an ancillary device
authentication feature operable to evaluate the authenticity of an ancillary
device coupled
with the medical apparatus, wherein the ancillary device authentication
feature is further
operable to regulate operability of at least one of the patient support, the
diagnostic imaging
system, an ancillary device coupled with the medical apparatus, the vacuum,
source, or the
power source.


55. The medical apparatus of claim 54, wherein the ancillary device
authentication
feature is integral with the patient support.


56. An integrated medical system, the system comprising:



(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly operably
configured to compress and localize a breast,
(b) a diagnostic imaging system for diagnostic imaging of the localized
breast;
(c) a biopsy device attaching structure positioned proximate to the breast
localization assembly;
(d) a vacuum source and a vacuum port, wherein the vacuum source and
vacuum port are integral with the patient support, wherein the vacuum
port is configured to be fluidly coupled with a biopsy device engaged
with the biopsy device attaching structure;
(e) a fluid vessel integral with the patient support, wherein the fluid vessel

is configured to be fluidly coupled with a biopsy device engaged with
the biopsy device attaching structure, and
(f) a power source, wherein the power source is integral with the patient
support, wherein the power source is configured to be operatively
coupled with a biopsy device engaged with the biopsy device attaching
structure.


57. The integrated medical system of claim 56, wherein the fluid vessel
comprises
a fluid capture vessel in fluid communication with the vacuum source.


58. The integrated medical system of claim 56, wherein the fluid vessel
comprises
a source of saline.


59. The integrated medical system of claim 56, wherein the fluid vessel
comprises
a pressurized fluid.


60. A medical system, comprising:
(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly operably
configured to compress and localize a breast;
(b) a diagnostic imaging system for diagnostic imaging of the localized
breast,



(c) a biopsy device attaching structure positioned proximate to the breast
localization assembly;
(d) a vacuum source and a vacuum port, wherein the vacuum source and
vacuum port are integral with the patient support, wherein the vacuum
port is configured to be fluidly coupled with a biopsy device engaged
with the biopsy device attaching structure; and
(e) a power source, wherein the power source is integral with the patient
support, wherein the power source is configured to be operatively
coupled with a biopsy device engaged with the biopsy device attaching
structure; and
(f) an integrated user interface in communication with the power source,
wherein the user interface is operable to control each of the patient
support, the diagnostic imaging system, a biopsy device coupled with
the biopsy device attaching structure, and the vacuum source.


61. A medical apparatus, comprising:
(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly operably
configured to compress and localize a breast and at least partially
composed of a material transparent in a selected imaging spectrum;
(b) a diagnostic imaging system movable relative to the breast localization
assembly for diagnostic imaging of the localized breast;
(c) a biopsy device attaching structure positioned proximate to the breast
localization assembly;
(d) an ancillary device, wherein the ancillary device is operable to perform
one or more of a surgical, therapeutic, or diagnostic function;
(e) a controller operable to control the ancillary device, wherein the
controller is integral with the patient support, wherein the controller is
communicatively coupled with the ancillary device; and

(f) an energy source operable to provide a surgical, therapeutic, or
diagnostic energy to the ancillary device, wherein the energy source is
integral with the patient support, wherein the energy source is
communicatively coupled with the ancillary device.



62. The medical apparatus of claim 61, wherein the ancillary device comprises
a
surgical device operable using an energy modality selected from the group
consisting of RF,
laser, ultrasound, microwave, and HIFU.


63. The medical apparatus of claim 61, wherein the ancillary device comprises
a
therapeutic device operable to perform an ablation.


64. The medical apparatus of claim 61, wherein the ancillary device comprises
a
therapeutic device operable to perform irradiation.


65. The medical apparatus of claim 64, wherein the therapeutic device is
operable
to perform brachytherapy.


66. The medical apparatus of claim 64, wherein the therapeutic device is
operable
to perform interstitial X-ray procedures.


67. The medical device of claim 64, wherein the therapeutic device comprises a

surgical X-ray tube stylet.


68. The medical apparatus of claim 61, further comprising a coordinate
generator
operable to generate spatial coordinates for directing the positioning of the
ancillary device.

69. The medical apparatus of claim 68, wherein the coordinate generator is in
communication with the image processing unit.


70. The medical apparatus of claim 68, wherein the coordinate generator is
further
operable to generate spatial coordinates for directing positioning of a biopsy
device engaged
with the biopsy device attaching structure.




71. The medical apparatus of claim 61, further comprising a biopsy device
engaged with the biopsy device attaching structure, wherein the biopsy device
has a cannula
defining a lumen, wherein the cannula is insertable into tissue of a patient.


72. The medical apparatus of claim 71, wherein the ancillary device comprises
a
treatment element, wherein the treatment element is insertable through the
lumen of the
biopsy device to reach a treatment site within the patient.


73. The medical apparatus of claim 72, wherein the biopsy device is operable
to
communicate biopsy tissue samples through the same lumen that the treatment
element of the
ancillary device is insertable through.


74. The medical apparatus of claim 71, wherein the cannula is configured to be

removed from the remainder of the biopsy device and selectively reattached to
the remainder
of the biopsy device.


75. The medical apparatus of claim 61, wherein the ancillary device comprises
a
diagnostic device operable to perform one or both of electromagnetic fringe
field sensing or
ambient mass spectroscopy.


76. The medical apparatus of claim 61, wherein the ancillary device comprises
a
diagnostic device mounted proximate to the biopsy device attaching structure,
wherein the
diagnostic device is operable to analyze tissue samples extracted using a
biopsy device
coupled with the biopsy device attaching structure.


77. The medical apparatus of claim 61, further comprising an ancillary device
authentication feature operable to evaluate the authenticity of the ancillary
device, wherein
the ancillary device authentication feature is further operable to regulate
operability of at least
one of the patient support, the diagnostic imaging system, the ancillary
device, or a biopsy
device coupled with the biopsy device attaching structure.




78. A medical system, the system comprising
(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly operably
configured to compress and localize a breast;
(b) a diagnostic imaging system for diagnostic imaging of the localized
breast,
(c) a biopsy device positioned proximate to the breast localization
assembly, and
(d) a diagnostic device operable to analyze tissue samples obtained using
the biopsy device in order to provide a diagnosis, wherein at least a
portion of the diagnostic device is engaged with or positioned
proximate to the biopsy device.


79 The medical system of claim 78, wherein the diagnostic device is operable
to
perform either or both of
(i) administration or analysis of a bioconjugate, or
(ii) a molecular assay

80 A medical system, the system comprising:

(a) a patient support comprising a breast localization assembly operably
configured to compress and localize a breast and at least partially
composed of a material transparent in a selected imaging spectrum,
(b) a diagnostic imaging system operable to provide diagnostic imaging of
the localized breast;
(c) a biopsy device attaching structure positioned proximate to the breast
localization assembly;
(d) an ancillary device, wherein the ancillary device is operable to perform
one or more of a surgical, therapeutic, or diagnostic function;
(e) a controller operable to control the ancillary device, wherein the
controller is integral with the patient support, wherein the controller is
communicatively coupled with the ancillary device, and
(f) an energy source operable to provide a surgical, therapeutic, or
diagnostic energy to the ancillary device, wherein the energy source is



integral with the patient support, wherein the energy source is
communicatively coupled with the ancillary device, wherein the
energy source comprises a source of one or more of RF, ultrasound,
microwaves, or electricity.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
INTEGRATED IMAGING AND BIOPSY SYSTEM

PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial
No.
60/893,454, entitled "INTEGRATED IMAGING AND BIOPSY SYSTEM," filed
March 7, 2007. This application also claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional
patent
applications entitled "INTEGRATED IMAGING AND BIOSPY SYSTEM WITH
INTEGRATED SURGICAL, THERAPY, AND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICES" to
Ritchie et al., Ser. No. 11/852,757, filed on September 10, 2007; "INTEGRATED
IMAGING AND BIOSPY SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED LTTILITIES" to Ritchie
et al., Ser. No. 11/852,750, filed on September 10, 2007; " INTEGRATED
IMAGING AND BIOPSY SYSTEM WITH ANCILLARY DEVICE
AUTHENTICATION" to Ritchie et al., Ser No. 11/852,742, filed on September 10,
2007; "INTEGRATED IMAGING AND BIOPSY SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED
CONTROL INTERFACE" to Ritchie et al., Ser. No. 11/852,728, filed on September
10, 2007. The disclosures of each of the foregoing applications are
incorporated by
reference herein.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are related to an apparatus for
medical
examination and/or treatment. More specifically, embodiments of the present
invention relate to an apparatus and method for imaging a female breast and
guiding a
biopsy and/or treatment procedure, and more particularly as part of an
integrated
system.

[0003] Diagnostic apparatuses that image the body to provide diagnostic
information,
localization, and therapeutic targeting are well known in the art. These
diagnostic
devices may utilize X rays, PET (Positive Emission Tomography), Magnetic


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
resonance, ultrasound, or other energy technology. Such devices may have some
interface with the human body, whether they are positioning/clamping devices
such as
may be used with X-ray tables, or transducers such as an ultrasound
transducer. They
may also involve requiring the patient to lie or stand in a variety of
positions, either to
provide access for the physician, or to fix or locate body tissue in relation
to the
device. For the purposes of this disclosure, all such diagnostic apparatus
will be
referred to as a diagnostic table, without limitation to such devices that
require the
patient to lie on a surface.

[0004] In the prior art, one example of a prone stereotactic (X-ray) device
that may be
used for localization of breast abnormalities is illustrated by U.S. Patent
No.
5,289,520, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for
purposes of
illustration only. A mammography system is illustrated by U.S. Patent No.
6,545,280,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for purposes of
illustration
only. U.S. Patent No. 6,678,546 describes how a diagnostic table can be used,
the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for purposes of
illustration
only. In addition, devices that biopsy, or physically remove tissue either for
diagnosis
or for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, are known in the art. For instance,
U.S.
Patent No. 5,526,822, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Automated Biopsy and
Collection of Soft Tissue," describes such a system, and is incorporated by
reference
herein. Such systems can be externally affixed to diagnostic tables to allow a
biopsy
needle or device to be guided by the diagnostic table, such as is described by
U.S.
Pub. No. 20 04/023 0 1 3 3.

[0005] . While a variety of diagnostic tables and biopsy devices have been
made and
used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventor has made or used a
device or
system as described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a
part
of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and, together
with the
general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description
of the
embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present
invention.


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
[0007] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a mobile medical vehicle cut away to
show
a patient support mammography table with an integrated imaging and biopsy
system
to form a diagnostic station.

[0008] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a biopsy probe assembly of the
integrated
imaging and biopsy system of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIGURE 3 is a control module and the biopsy probe system of FIG. 2 for
use
with the diagnostic station of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a biopsy probe assembly of the
integrated
imaging and biopsy system of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIGURE 5 is a top perspective view of the prone patient supporting the
mammography table of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIGURE 6 is a left side perspective view in elevation of the same table
showing the base, pedestal and angularly movable C-arm carrying the X-ray tube
and
the image receptor as well as the separate compression arm carrying
compression
plates and needle guide omitted for clarity.

[0013] FIGURE 7 is a front elevation view of the patient support mammography
table
of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIGURE 8 is a functional block diagram of the integrated imaging and
biopsy
system of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIGURE 9 is a block schematic showing various components in
communication with an integrated control system.

[0016] FIGLTRE 10 is an exemplary graphical user interface that may be used
with the
integrated control system of FIG. 9.

[0017] FIGURE 11 is a flow chart showing an exemplary identification and
authentication workflow.

[0018] FIGLTRE 12 is a flow chart showing an exemplary authentication
workflow.


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
[0019] FIGURE 13 is a partial view of a biopsy probe and a table arm with
exemplary
complimentary features.

[0020] FIGURE 14 is a block schematic showing various utilities that may be
integrated with a diagnostic station.

[0021] FIGURE 15 is a schematic showing an exemplary harmonic device
integrated
with a table.

[0022] FIGURE 15 is a schematic showing an exemplary brachytherapy device
integrated with a table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following description of certain examples of the invention should
not be
used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features,
aspects,
embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those
skilled
in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration,
one of the
best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized,
the
invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without
departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded
as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0024] Turning to the Figures, wherein like numerals denote like components
throughout the several views, in FIG. 1, a mobile medical vehicle 10 includes
a
patient support table 12 having an integrated imaging, biopsy and treatment
system 14
forming a diagnostic station 16, which in the illustrative depiction is
configured to
support a prone patient, though a diagnostic station 16 may alternatively be
configured to support a patient in a variety of other positions. Other
embodiments
may include a diagnostic station 16 in a non-mobile station, such as in a
hospital,
clinic, or elsewhere.

[0025] In FIG. 2, an illustrative biopsy probe assembly 18 for use with the
diagnostic
station 16 of the present example includes an elongated piercer 20 having a
piercer tip
22 for penetrating soft tissue of a surgical patent. Piercer 20 comprises a
piercer tube
24 and a vacuum chamber tube 26. On the side of the distal end of piercer tube
24 is


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
a port (side aperture) 28 for receiving tissue to be extracted from the
surgical patient
proximally through a piercer lumen 30 defined by the piercer tube 24. The
elongated
vacuum chamber tube 26, which is joined along its length to the piercer tube
24,
defines a vacuum lumen 32. Piercer lumen 30 is in fluid connection with vacuum
lumen 32 via a plurality of vacuum holes (not shown) located in the bottom of
the
"bowl" defined by port 28. Vacuum holes are small enough to remove the fluids
but
not large enough to allow excised tissue portions to be removed through
lateral
vacuum lumen 32. The metallic or ceramic sharp piercer tip 22 is fixedly
attached to
the distal end of piercer 20. It is designed to penetrate soft tissue, such as
the breast
tissue of a female surgical patient. One example is a piercer tip 22 having a
three
sided, pyramidal shaped point, although the tip configuration may also have
other
shapes. Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will immediately
recognize that
biopsy probe assembly 18 as described herein is merely exemplary. A variety of
other biopsy probe assemblies having any other suitable configuration or
components
may be used. Furthermore, a variety of alternative devices (e.g., those that
perform
operations other that obtaining biopsies) may be used within the system of the
present
example.

[00261 The biopsy probe assembly 18 of the present example may be fluidly,
mechanically, and/or electrically connected to a biopsy control unit 34. It
should be
appreciated from the description that follows that the biopsy control unit 34
may
comprise a legacy dedicated controller or may be in communication with the
diagnostic table 16 or an integrated function provided by the diagnostic
station 16.
Axial vacuum to the probe assembly 18 may be obtained by fluid connection to
the
biopsy control unit 34 by detachable fluid connection of a lateral vacuum line
36 that
communicates proximally with the vacuum lumen 32 and an axial vacuum line 38
that
communicates proximally with the piercer lumen 30 to biopsy control unit 34.
Lateral
vacuum line 36 and axial vacuum line 38 may be made from a flexible,
transparent or
translucent material, such as silicone tubing, allowing for visualization of
the material
flowing through them. In the present example, lateral connector 40 and axial
connector 42 are female and male luer connectors, respectively, commonly known
and used in the medical industry. To avoid reversed installation, the vacuum
lumen is


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
connected to male luer connector 42 that engages a female luer connector 40 of
the
lateral vacuum line 36, with reversed connectors 40, 42 for the piercer lumen
30.
[0027] In the present example, base 44 is operatively connected to biopsy
control unit
34 by a control cord 46, translation shaft 48, and rotation shaft 50 for
independently
longitudinally translating and/or rotating, respectively, a cutter tube 52
that translates
within the piercer lumen 30 to sever tissue prolapsed into the port 28 under
the urging
of vacuum supplied through the piercer and vacuum lumens 30, 32. The cutter
tube
52 is visible in FIG. 2 within the port 28, having been distally positioned.
Translation
shaft 48 and rotation shaft 50 may be flexible so as to permit for the ease of
mounting
of the base 44 of the biopsy probe assembly 18 to a movable table 55 of the
patient
supporting mammography table 12. An upper portion 56 of the biopsy probe
assembly 18 is engaged to the base 44. It should be appreciated that one shaft
may be
employed through a transmission into the respective translation and rotation
motions,
especially at a fixed ratio. It will also be appreciated that rotation and/or
translation of
cutter tube 52 may be provided in a variety of alternative ways, in addition
to or in
lieu of translation shaft 48 and/or rotation shaft 50. By way of example only,
rotation
and/or translation of cutter tube 52 may be provided by a pneumatic motor
and/or
piston assembly in communication with a pressurized fluid supply. As another
merely illustrative alternative, one or more motors may be provided within
biopsy
probe assembly 18 to provide rotation and/or translation of cutter tube 52.
Still other
ways in which a cutter tube 52 may be rotated and/or translated will be
apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0028] A tethered remote control 58 may be operatively and removably connected
to
biopsy control unit 34. Remote control 58 may be used by the surgical biopsy
system
operator to control the sequence of actions performed by the biopsy assembly
18. In
the present example, a front thumbwheel 60 attached to the piercer 20 allows
rotation
of the piercer 20, relative to upper portion 56 of the biopsy probe assembly
18, to
orient the port 28. An aft rotation knob 62 may also be tumed to effect
rotation of the
piercer 20. Alternatively, piercer 20 may be configured such that it does not
rotate,
such that it rotates with assistance from a motor (e.g., electrical or
pneumatic, etc.) or
from some other device, or in any other suitable fashion.


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
[0029] As will be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure,
varying
degrees of synergy and/or independence may be represented in the degree of
integration of the biopsy system 20 into the diagnostic table 16 of the
present
example. In FIG. 3, a control unit 34 is incorporated in a control module 64
that
includes a dedicated biopsy display 66, a vacuum generation and fluid
separation
apparatus 68, and shaft actuation and control sensing (not shown) via the
control cord
46 to the biopsy probe assembly 18. Instead of or in addition to the hand
operated
remote 58 (FIG. 2), a tethered foot operated device 70 may be used that
communicates with the control module 64. A communication link 72 is depicted
going to a display monitor 74 from the control module 64 indicating a repeated
display or inclusion of biopsy related data into another display of other data
(e.g.,
imaging data, etc.). It will be appreciated that communication link 72 may be
wired
(e.g., USB, Ethernet, serial connector, etc.) or wireless (e.g., RF,
Bluetooth, etc.).

[0030] In FIGS. 4-7, the patient support, breast localization, and imaging
components
of the patient support mammography table 12 are substantially as described in
U.S.
Pat. No. 5,289,520, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its
entirety. Of course, any other type of table 12 having any other suitable
components
or configuration may be used as an alternative to the one depicted in FIGS. 4-
7. As
shown, patient supporting mammography table 12 comprises a platform 76 on
which
the patient rests in a prone position, supported by a rear pedestal 78
upstanding from
the rear portion of a table base 80, all as shown in FIGS 4, 6. Pedestal 78 in
this
example incorporates table elevating means to raise and lower the table 12
within
limits for convenience of the patient and attending personnel. In other
embodiments,
the elevational position of pedestal 78 is substantially fixed and table 12
cannot be
raised or lowered.

[0031] Protruding forward over the lower part of base 80 from the front face
of
pedestal 78 is a ledge 82 sturdily constructed to provide underlying support
for an
angularly movable "C-arm" 84. Arm 84 is shaped like a letter "C" lying on its
back,
with one upstanding end mounting the X-ray source or mammography unit tube
head
86. A pivot axis 88, about which C-arm 84 is mounted for angular rotation
relative to
ledge 82, is close to the opposite upstanding end of the C-arm 84, and this
upstanding


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
end incorporates a charge coupled device (CCD) sensor folded optical system 90
enclosed in a light-tight housing. Other components may be provided on or in C-
arm
84. Similarly, C-arm 84 may be substituted or supplemented with other
components,
or may be simply omitted altogether.

[0032] An upper portion 92 of pedestal 78, supporting the table platform 76 at
its
upper end and the ledge 82 at its lower end, is capable of vertical downward
movement from the raised position to a lowered position in which the ledge 82
is
close to base 80. This vertical adjustment motion is provided by telescoping
upper
pedestal portion 92 over an underlying lower pedestal portion 94. Further
adjustability of the system may be provided by separate vertical adjustment of
ledge
82 relative to upper portion 92 of the pedestal 78. Other ways in which
adjustability
may be provided, to the extent that it is provided at all, will be apparent to
those of
ordinary slall in the art.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, a central aperture 96 is provided in the
central
portion of platform 76 accommodating one or both of the female patient's
breasts
hanging pendulently therethrough as the patient lies face down on platform 76.
A
relatively thin image receptor 98 is positioned close to the pivot axis 88
about which
the C-arm 84 moves angularly, and the pivoting movement of C-arm 84 about axis
88
allows the image receptor 98 to be positioned between the patient's breasts,
or against
the underside of either breast, by making minor adjustments in the position of
axis 88
relative to ledge 82.

[0034] In FIG. 8, a fixed compression plate 100 and a compression paddle 102
movable toward and away from plate 100 are mounted above the C-arm 84 on an
independently pivoted compression arm 104. Compression paddle 102 may be
considered a biopsy compression device, since it incorporates both a
transparent
portion permitting X-rays to pass through it toward the patient's breast and
image
receptor 98, and a central needle access aperture, in the present example. The
compression arm 104 of the present example also incorporates the movable table
55
for receiving the biopsy probe assembly 18 for performing a core biopsy
procedure or
a therapeutic treatment through the piercing lumen 30 without releasing the
breast
from the compression plate 100, thereby assuring that the target lesion
coordinates


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
determined by the original stereotactic measurements will be maintained upon
insertion of the needle to reach the same target lesion coordinates.

[0035] Returning to FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, a central concave torso depression 106
surrounds the central aperture 96. Depression 106 provides comfortable support
for
the prone patient's head, shoulders and torso, with her hips and legs
extending either
to the right or to the left over the slightly higher end portions of platform
76, which
may also incorporate left and right footrests 108, 110 if desired. The slight
elevation
of the patient's hips by depression 106 may maintain the normal relaxed curve
of the
patient's vertebra, while presenting a maximum volume of breast tissue through
aperture 96 for X-ray examination. In addition, the slight elevation of the
ends of
platform 76 outside of the central depression 106 may provide underside
clearance
encircling aperture 96 for the upper end of X-ray tubehead 86 under platform
76.
This may permit the focal point source (FP) of X-radiation to be elevated to a
level
nearly in tangent coincidence with the lower rim of aperture 96, providing
exposure of
a maximum volume of the patient's pendulant breast tissue for examination. Of
course, these configurations are merely exemplary, and other alternative
configurations may be used. Furthermore, different results may be obtained
using the
configuration of the present example.

[0036] In the present example, the front edge of platform 76 beside aperture
96,
opposite pedestal 78, is formed as a removable panel cutout 112, providing
unimpeded access beneath platform 76 for the radiologist and technicians, and
permitting the patient's arm to be lowered through the open space left by the
removal
of a panel (not shown), possibly bringing her shoulder comfortably down toward
the
level of aperture 96, and possibly minimizing any distortion or stretching of
the breast
pendulant through aperture 96.

[0037] It should be appreciated that different positions of tubehead 86 may be
produced by angular movement of C-arm 84 along a circular arcuate path. In the
outermost position of the tubehead 86, X-radiation projected toward axis 88
may
approach a lesion from the lateral aspect of the right breast or the medial
aspect of the
left breast if the patient's head is positioned to the right on platform 76.
The left
footrest 108 at the left end of platform 76 supports the patient's legs in
this position,


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
while the right footrest 110 at the right end of platform 76 may be retracted
toward the
table end. With the patient's head placed to the left of axis 88 and the right
footrest
110 being extended from the right end of platform 76, X-radiation from
tubehead 86
in its outermost position may approach the lateral aspect of the left breast
or the
medial aspect of the right breast. At either axial position, near the right
end of
platform 76 or near the left end of platform 76, the X-radiation may approach
the
breast from either above or below, with the image receptor 98 being positioned
on the
opposite side of the breast and the compression plate 100 and paddle 102,
assuring
that the patient is comfortably positioned with little risk of unexpected
movement
during the procedure.

[0038] In some examples, the tubehead 86 delivering X-rays to the patient will
be
positioned at the patient's head end of platform 76, with image receptor 98
and
compression plate 100 being positioned on the underside of the pendulant
breast and
the compression paddle 102 being positioned on the upper side of the breast,
both
mounted on compression arm 104, which also provides support for the movable
table
55 from this upper side when required. However, the presence of a lesion near
the
underside of the breast may indicate that the reverse orientation is desirable
for
minimum trauma, with the movable table 55 and compression paddle 102 being
positioned on the underside of the breast with the X-ray tubehead 86 being
positioned
beyond compression plate 100 on the upper side of the breast. In this
position, the
entry of the biopsy needle 38 supported by the movable table 55 attached to
compression paddle 102 into the underside of the breast tissue may offer the
minimum path length for access to the lesion, and this position may be
preferred by
some patients to assure that any needle scar will be on the underside of the
breast
where it is less easily observed. Other suitable positions of components
relative to
each other and relative to a patient will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art.

[0039] Two additional tubehead positions being respectively displaced
angularly by
approximately 15 degrees counterclockwise and 15 degrees clockwise may be
suitable
angular displacements for stereotactic mammography. However, lesser angular
amounts, of 10 degrees for example, or even greater angular amounts, on each
side of
the longitudinal axis of platform 76 can be used if desired, to assure that
the


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
stereoscopically displaced images both fall on the desired portion of the
image
receptor 98 of the electronic imaging optical system 90. Stereoscopic
displacement of
the lesion image may place it near the periphery of the total image plane in
particular
lesion orientations.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, X-, Y- and Z- axis indexing of the movable table 55
relative to the patient's breast tissue is provided in the present example by
linear
motorized adjustments of a supporting indexing carriage 114 movably mounted on
linear bearings on the compression arm 104, pivoted on ledge 82 above pivoting
C-
arm 84. The indexing carriage 114 is manually or automatically positioned with
the
cooperation of a timing belt or endless chain drive, etc., to position the
compression
paddle 102 into gentle compressive contact with the patient's breast, clamping
it
gently but firmly against the fixed breast compression plate 100. The movable
table
55 is also manually and/or automatically positioned relative to X, Y or Z
coordinates
to permit the operator to position the biopsy probe 38 as required by the
lesion
coordinates found by stereotactic X-ray observations or by other means.

[0041] In FIGS. 4-7, physical integration of a biopsy system 20 into a table
12 by
magnetics, clips, etc. to hold accessories, control module 64, etc., may
reduce hazards
of inadvertent movement of these components during transit (to the extent that
a
vehicle 10 is used), may reduce tripping hazards, and may simplify
interconnections
to the diagnostic table 16 to the extent that function integration is desired.
Of course,
obtaining these results is not necessary, and some embodiments may fail to
obtain any
or all of these results. Similarly, other results may be obtained by some
embodiments.

[0042] It will be appreciated that an integrated imaging, biopsy, and
treatment system
14 may have a variety of additional components and/or properties. Several of
such
components and/or properties will be described in greater detail below, while
other
suitable components and/or properties will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the
art in view of the disclosure herein.

[0043] Integrated Device Control Interface

[0044] First, in some embodiments, an integrated device interface 118
integrates and
controls a diagnostic station 16, including a biopsy system 120 (e.g., the
biopsy


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
system of FIG. 3, etc.) that may be assembled with or integral to a table 12
and a
integrated imaging, biopsy and treatment system 14, through a single user
interface
122. In other words, a single user interface 122 in communication with an
integrated
device interface 118 may be used to control operation of both a table 12 and a
biopsy
probe assembly 18, among other things. By way of example only, the functions
that
may be provided through a user interface 122 may include, but need not be
limited to,
the following: adjusting settings for biopsy probe assembly 18 (e.g., sampling
speed,
vacuum levels, etc.); performing diagnostics of integrated imaging, biopsy and
treatment system 14 (e.g., diagnostics of individual components and/or of the
system
14 as a whole, etc.); performing a test of the biopsy probe assembly 18
operability;
arming or firing the piercer 20 and/or cutter tube 52; obtaining a tissue
sample using
biopsy probe assembly 18; performing a "clear probe" operation (e.g., clearing
any
tissue or debris from the piercer tube 54 and/or cutter tube 52, etc.), such
as by using a
vacuum, a saline flush, or some other means; inducing a vacuum within piercer
20
and/or cutter tube 52; opening/closing port 28; deploying a tissue marker
through port
28; raising, lowering, rotating, or otherwise moving table 12; moving C-arm
84;
operating optical system 90; positioning or moving compression plate 100,
compression paddle 102, and/or compression arm 104; moving or positioning
movable table 55; moving or positioning X-Ray tubehead 86; causing X-Ray
tubehead 86 to emit X-rays; moving or otherwise adjusting indexing carriage
114;
and/or performing any of the above-listed functions on any of the various
other
ancillary devices described elsewhere herein, among others. Still other
components
that may be controlled via a single user interface 122, and how such
components may
be controlled via user interface 122, will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the
art, including but not limited to any and all other components described
herein,
variations thereof, and suitable substitutes or supplements for such
components.

[0045] Operator input (e.g., setup, control, actuation, positioning, etc.) for
a biopsy
system 120 may thus be accepted through the single user interface 122 and used
to
control the biopsy system 120. These control signals may include mechanical
control
signals (e.g., actuate firing or sampling of a needle), or electrical
communication to
system 120 to actuate similar functions or other functions. Thus, unlike a
significantly autonomous control module 64 present in some biopsy systems 120,
the


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
mechanical motion necessary for positioning the piercer tube 24 and
tr'anslating/rotating the cutter tube 52 may be provided by the diagnostic
station 16 via
the integrated user interface 122, reducing the mounting of the biopsy system
120 to
only a disposable probe 138 portion. In other words, other components of a
biopsy
system 120 may remain permanently and integrally mounted relative to a table
12,
with a disposable probe 130 removably mounted thereto.

[0046] In the present example, the single user interface 122 is depicted as a
computer
workstation with a monitor 124, keyboard 126, and graphical pointing device
(e.g.,
mouse, etc.) 128. However, it will be appreciated that a single user interface
122 may
have a variety of alternative components or configurations. For instance, user
interface 122 may comprise commercial off the shelf (COTS) computer components
coupled with an integrated device interface 118; a dedicated, customized, or
proprietary user interface system (not shown) coupled with an integrated
device
interface 118; or any other suitable components, provided in any other
suitable
configurations. For instance, components forming a user interface 122 may be
integrally mounted within a housing custom built for table 12.

[0047] A block diagram of an exemplary integrated control system 200 is shown
in
FIG. 9. As shown, a user interface display 202 (e.g., a video monitor 124) and
an
input device 204 (e.g., keyboard 126, mouse 128, combinations thereof, etc.)
are
coupled with a control system computer 206. In this example, user interface
display
202, input device 204 and control system computer 206 may collectively
constitute a
single user interface 122. As is also shown, control system computer 206 in
this
example is communicatively coupled with an integrated device interface 118. In
addition, a table positioning system 208 and an imaging system 210 are coupled
with
a table controller 212, which is also communicatively coupled with the
integrated
device interface 118. Similarly, a biopsy device 214 is coupled with a biopsy
system
controller 216 to form a biopsy system 120, which is also communicatively
coupled
with the integrated device interface 118. User interface 122 is thus operable
to
control, via integrated device interface 118, table controller 212 to control
table
positioning system 208 and imaging system 201, as well as biopsy system
controller
216 to control biopsy device 214. Other suitable components and arrangements
that


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
may be incorporated into an integrated control system 200 will be apparent to
those of
ordinary sldll in the art. By way of example only, and as will be described in
greater
detail below, a remote storage 220 (e.g., server, etc.) may be communicatively
coupled with integrated control system 200, such as via a network 222 (e.g.,
the
internet, a dedicated network, a LAN or WAN, etc.).

[0048] In the present example, user interface 122 provides a broad range of
control
functions in addition to table 12 positioning controls, including operational
displays
and controls for a biopsy probe assembly 18, as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,752,768,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Of course,
to the extent that other components or devices are included (e.g., devices
other than a
biopsy system 120 and/or table 12), control of such devices may also be
integrated
into a single user interface 122. Furthermore, control may be provided to such
devices via one or more wires, wirelessly, or using combinations thereof. For
instance, integrated device interface 118 may comprise one or more cables
and/or a
wireless communication hub, communicatively coupled with user interface 122.

[0049] Just as controls of various devices may be integrated through a single
user
interface 122, so may data obtainment, processing, and/or transfer, etc.
Examples of
data integration may include generating imaging, diagnostic, and/or treatment
data
stored in a patient record in a local data storage 130. Thereby, a large
number of
patients may be seen in a mobile setting when transmission of patient data is
not
available or under other circumstances.

[0050] In addition, a single user interface 122 may serve as a data gateway to
local or
remote institutional data repositories (e.g., one or more servers, etc.), such
as a
hospital laboratory information system (LIS) (not shown) or other remote
storage 220,
either in real-time, periodically, intermittently, or otherwise, regarding
information
such as the biopsy type, number of biopsy specimens, volume of tissue, patient
ID,
system ID, error logs, table data and/or operating parameters, etc. Such
communication may be provided wirelessly (e.g., via satellite uplink, Wi-Fi,
or some
other modality or protocol of wireless communication) or otherwise. Data
obtained
through the system 200 may be reviewed by a physician, by some other person,
and/or
by a computer, at a remote location or elsewhere, in substantially real time,
may be


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
processed locally or remotely, and/or may simply be logged for archival
purposes.
Similarly, to the extent that the system 200 is immobily provided in a
substantially
fixed location or facility (e.g., within a hospital, not in a mobile truck 10,
etc.), the
integrated control system 200 may be communicatively coupled with a LAN or WAN
within the facility. For instance, the system 200 may be communicatively
coupled
with a hospital's internal network or information system. Such communication
may
be provided via wire (e.g., Ethernet cable, etc.), wirelessly, or combinations
thereof.
Other ways in which data or commands may be communicated and processed will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0051] Furthermore, just as data may be transferred from the system 200 to
another
location (e.g., to a local or remote location), data and/or commands may also
be
transferred from such a second location to the system 200 of the present
example. For
instance, a table 12 and/or biopsy system 120 may be controlled at least in
part by a
remote operator. Such remote operation may be performed by a human and/or
automatically. Furthermore, operation may be performed by a person co-located
with
the system 200 as well as by a person located remotely relative to the system
200 of
the present example.

[0052] It should be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure
that data
associated with the type, identification, operational information, status, and
so on of
the biopsy system 120 may be displayed upon the single user interface 122. A
merely
exemplary graphical user interface (GiJI) 250 that may be provided on user
interface
122 is shown in FIG. 10. As shown, the GUI 250 provides a table control and
imaging function frame 252 and a biopsy control frame 254. The table control
and
imaging function frame 252 of this example includes: a feature 270 to
reposition the
table 12, a feature 272 to reposition an imaging system 210, and a feature 274
to
obtain an image using the imaging system 210. The biopsy control frame 254 of
this
example includes: a feature 256 to arm/fire a probe 138 or other part of a
biopsy
device 214, a feature 258 to obtain a tissue sample with biopsy device 214, a
feature
260 to clear the biopsy device 214 (e.g., to evacuate a tissue sample or
debris from the
biopsy device 214), a feature 262 to induce a vacuum within the biopsy device
214,
and a feature 264 to deliver a marker through the biopsy device 214. Of
course, these


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
frames and features are merely exemplary, and any other suitable frames and/or
features may be provided through a GUI 250 in any other suitable arrangement.

[0053] Furthermore, a single user interface 122 may present multiple GUI's.
For
instance, one GUI 250 may permit a user to select which component(s) they
would
like to control, such that a user's selection will then call up a second GUI
250 that is
dedicated to the component(s) that the user has indicated they would like to
control.
In some embodiments, when a user indicates that they want to control a biopsy
device
214, the user interface 122 may call up a GUI 250 similar to any of those
shown or
described in described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,768, the disclosure of which has
been
incorporated by reference herein. Of course, any other suitable GUI 250 or
GUI's
250 may be used to control a biopsy device 214. As another merely illustrative
example, activation of feature 270 to reposition the table 12 may call up
another
window, screen, or frame (not shown) permitting specific commands for table 12
positioning, and/or table 12 position information. It will also be appreciated
that a
user may interact with a GUI 250 using a mouse 128, using touch-screen
technology,
and/or using any other suitable device, technique, or technology, including
combinations thereof.

[0054] In view of the foregoing, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that
the control of and data obtained using a diagnostic station 16 and biopsy
device 214
may be integrated into a single user control system 200 having a single user
interface
122. However, the above described components, configurations, arrangements,
and
functionalities of a control system 200 are merely exemplary, and the
inventors
contemplate that a control system 200 may be carried out in a variety of
alternative
ways, including but not limited to various other components, arrangements, and
methods of operation.

[0055] Ancillary Device Identification and Authentication

[0056] Second, in some embodiments, an ancillary device authentication system
132
may include a device or programming object in communication with or integral
to the
single user interface 122 and/or a controller 134 of the diagnostic station
16. In some
embodiments, components of the integrated imaging, biopsy and treatment system
14


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
may be assembled and disassembled due to use of disposable components for
sterility
or other purposes. The diagnostic station 16 may communicate (e.g., bi-
directionally,
one-way, etc.) with an ancillary device (e.g., the biopsy system 120, biopsy
device
214, biopsy probe 18, etc.) to either prevent the use of unauthorized devices,
or to
limit features available to unauthorized devices. For example, a specific,
proprietary
communication protocol or handshake may be employed to ensure that only those
devices approved or certified by the table manufacturer are physically
connected, are
allowed to work in conjunction with the diagnostic station 16, or are allowed
access to
specific integrated features (e.g., software, display features, etc.) of the
diagnostic
station 16. A proprietary communication protocol or handshake may be
implemented
via one or more wires, wirelessly, or otherwise. Furthermore, proprietary
physical
connectors may be used for electronic communication, as described in greater
detail
below.

[0057] It should be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure
that this
authorization may indicate the model or manufacturer of the ancillary device,
or
verify that the device complies with relevant standards or diagnostic table
manufacturer requirements, or provide or be based on other information in any
suitable fashion. For instance, the authorization may be implemented as an
automatic
transmission of data upon connection, or the response of a biopsy device 214
to an
electronic query or handshake from the diagnostic table controller 212. It
could also
take the form of a proprietary handshake or encrypted data.

[0058] In the present example, if the ancillary device is properly authorized
by the
diagnostic station 16, the diagnostic station 16 allows the ancillary device
to function
with the table 12. If the ancillary device cannot be authorized, the table 12
will not
allow the ancillary device to fully function with the table 12. This could
include
providing "tiered" access, where certain devices can access a full set of
functions
within a first tier, a second tier providing a smaller set of functions, and
further tiers
providing even more reduced sets of functions, perhaps including to a tier
providing
zero functionality for the ancillary device (and/or zero functionality for
other
components of the system 200 when an unauthorized ancillary device is coupled
with
the system 200, etc.). This scheme may also be limited to granting access to
certain


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
table features (e.g., display modes or other integrated operational modes,
etc.), while
allowing even non-authorized devices some basic functionality. This scheme
could
also prevent the use of the diagnostic station 16 at all when a non-authorized
device is
anchored. Table "functionality" may include the physical ability to mount to
the table
12, and the ability of the diagnostic station 16 or at least one component
thereof to
perform some or all of its normally intended functions, among other functions.

[0059] One merely exemplary identification and authentication routine 300 that
may
be performed by a system 200 is illustrated in FIG. 11. In this example, as
shown in
block 302, the procedure is initiated. By way of example only, this may be
accomplished simply by turning on one or more components of the system 200,
such
that the system 200 is on "standby" to perform subsequent steps of the routine
300.
As shown in block 304, the connection of an ancillary device (e.g., a biopsy
device
214) is detected. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,
such
connection may be detected in any number of a variety of ways. For instance, a
user
may manually activate a switch (not shown) to indicate to the system 200 that
an
ancillary device has been connected. Alternatively, a component of the system
200
and/or the ancillary device itself may have a feature (e.g., a sensor, switch-
engaging
feature, etc.) that is configured to automatically detect and/or communicate
the
connection of the ancillary device to the system 200. Other ways in which
connection
of an ancillary device to a system 200 may be detected will be apparent to
those of
ordinary skill in the art.

[0060] Next, as shown in block 306, identifying information is requested from
the
ancillary device. By way of example only, such information may be requested
from
and/or obtained from a biopsy system 120, a biopsy system controller 216,
and/or a
biopsy device 214. After such information is obtained, the identifying
information is
compared to a list, as shown in block 308. This comparison yields whether the
ancillary device is authorized, as shown in block 310. As will be apparent to
those of
ordinary skill in the art, there are a variety of ways in which identifying
information
may be compared to a list, as shown in blocks 308 and 310. By way of example
only,
a list of identifying information associated with authorized ancillary devices
(and/or
unauthorized ancillary devices) may be stored locally (e.g., within control
system


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
computer 206, etc.), anywhere in communication with the network 222 (e.g., a
computer or server within a hospital that the system 200 resides in, etc.),
within an
external database (e.g., within remote storage 220, etc.), within a removable
device
coupled with the system 200 (e.g., in a CD or flash/USB drive coupled with a
control
system computer 206, etc.), or elsewhere, including combinations of such
locations.
In another variation, an internet-based compatibility list is provided and
interrogated
by the system 200. Similarly, just as a list or other source of information
may be
stored and accessed locally or remotely, etc., an act of comparing the
identifying
information 308 may be performed locally and/or remotely, etc. For instance,
the
comparison 308 may be performed on or within the same device in which the list
or
other source of information is stored, or in any other suitable location,
including
combinations thereof.

[0061] It will also be appreciated that a number of modalities may be used to
obtain
identifying information from an ancillary device. For instance, en electronic
query/response may be used (e.g., using a standard serial connection,
Ethernet,
Bluetooth, etc.) between system 200 and the ancillary device to obtain a
serial
number, passcode, manufacturer name or code, model number, features, etc.
Alternatively, a mechanical connection may be used, including but not limited
to the
type described below with reference to FIG. 13. Other ways in which
identifying
information may be obtained and/or processed to determine authentication will
be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0062] If the ancillary device is authorized (e.g. pursuant to the step shown
in block
310), full operability of the ancillary device may be permitted, as shown in
block 312.
If the ancillary device is not authorized, full operability of the device may
be denied,
as shown in block 314. By way of example only, full operability of the
ancillary
device may be denied, as shown in block 314, under any of the following
conditions
or combinations of such conditions: the system 200 was unable to obtain any
identifying information from or regarding the ancillary device in block 306;
the
identifying information did not match with any information on the list in the
comparison of block 308; the identifying information matched with information
associated with an unauthorized device in the comparison of block 308; the
system


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
200 has determined that an ancillary device that should only be used once has
already
been used at least once; or under any other circumstances. Furthermore, as an
alternative to denying operation of an unauthorized ancillary device
altogether, the
system 200 may permit certain functions while denying others, as described
elsewhere
herein.

[0063] Another merely exemplary authentication routine 400 that may be
performed
by a system 200 is illustrated in FIG. 12. In this example, as shown in block
402, the
procedure is initiated. As noted above, and by way of example only, this may
be
accomplished simply by turning on one or more components of the system 200,
such
that the system 200 is on "standby" to perform subsequent steps of the routine
400.
As shown in block 404, the connection of an ancillary device (e.g., a biopsy
device
214) is detected. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art,
and as noted
above, such connection may be detected in any number of a variety of ways. For
instance, a user may manually activate a switch (not shown) to indicate to the
system
200 that an ancillary device has been connected. Alternatively, a component of
the
system 200 and/or the ancillary device itself may have a feature (e.g., a
sensor, a
switch-engaging feature, etc.) that is configured to automatically detect
and/or
communicate the connection of the ancillary device to the system 200. Other
ways in
which connection of an ancillary device to a system 200 may be detected will
be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0064] Next, as shown in block 406, an authentication sequence is initiated.
As with
other merely exemplary steps described herein, this step 406 may be carried
out in
any number of a variety.of ways. For instance, an authentication sequence may
be
initiated through an identification request and comparison procedure as
described
above with respect to blocks 306, 308, and 310 of routine 300. Alternatively,
an
authentication sequence may include entry of a password, which can be unique
or
standard (e.g., entered by a user via user interface 122, entered by a user
via the
ancillary device, entered automatically by the ancillary device, etc.); a
query/response
between the system 200 and the ancillary device (e.g., system 200 seeks a
particular
type/content or form/format of response from an ancillary device, etc.); a
parlicular
encryption of communication or encrypted data interchange to and/or from the
system


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
200 and/or the ancillary device; a specific handshake between the system 200
and the
ancillary device; a proprietary or otherwise specific communication protocol
between
the system 200 and the ancillary device (e.g., commands and/or responses are
fully
customized for system 200, etc.); a physical feature or interlock of the
system 200 and
the ancillary device (e.g., complimentary physical features or structures of a
component of the system 200 and the ancillary device, etc.); and/or an
"authentication
key" (e.g., a certain key, data, or device that must be present in a biopsy
system 120,
such as a VPN token used for network access or a specific RFID tag, etc.).
Still other
ways in which an authentication sequence may be initiated and/or carried out
in
accordance with block 406 will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art.

[0065] Proceeding further in the routine 400 of the present example, based on
the
authentication sequence, an appropriate level of operability is selected, as
shown in
block 408. As shown, the selected level of operability may include full
operation 410,
partial operation 412, or no operation 414. In this context, the selected
level of
operability may relate to operability of the ancillary device only and/or
operability of
other components of the system 200. For instance, some or all of the
components of
the system 200 may be fully operable before an ancillary device is connected,
yet
some or all of such components (e.g., a table 12, etc.) may be rendered only
partially
operable (block 412) or completely inoperable (block 414) when an ancillary
device
has been connected that is partially authenticated or that is not
authenticated (e.g.,
unauthorized, etc.). Similarly, some or all of the components of the system
200 may
be completely or partially inoperable unless and until a fully or partially
authorized
ancillary device is connected with the system 200. By way of example only, the
user
interface 122 of the system 200 may be rendered inoperable while other
components
of the system 200 may remain operable when an unauthorized or partially
authorized
ancillary device is connected with the system 200. Other ways in which one or
more
(e.g., all) components of a system 200 may be rendered fully or partially
inoperable
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0066] Just as operability of the system 200 or some of its components may be
affected by the authentication sequence (block 406) and the selected level of
operability (block 408), so may the operability of the ancillary device (e.g.,
in


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
addition to or as an alternative to the operability of the system 200 or one
or more of
its components being affected). For instance, a biopsy device 214 or one or
more
components thereof may be rendered inoperable as coupled with a system 200
when it
is determined that the biopsy device 214 is not authentic (e.g., unauthorized,
etc.) or is
only partially authenticated or authorized. Suitable ways in which an
ancillary device
may be rendered wholly or partially inoperable, including but not limited to
combinations of such inoperability with any full or partial inoperability
effected upon
the system 200 or one or more components thereof, will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art.

[0067] Alternatively or in addition to the authentication discussed above, an
authenticating connection may be physical rather than electronic. In some
embodiments, a physical adapter or interface (not shown) between the table 12
and
biopsy device 214 may has a proprietary shape or structural feature or
configuration
that allows only a certain device (e.g., one having a complimentary shape or
structural
feature) to be connected. By way of example only, a physical adapter or
interface
between the table 12 and biopsy device 214 may include complimentary shapes or
profiles that are dovetailed, "T"-shaped, etc. Alternatively or in addition, a
physical
adapter or interface between the table 12 and biopsy device 214 may provide an
input
(e.g., magnetic sensor, switch closing, etc.) when a device with the necessary
form
factor is attached. One merely illustrative example of such a feature is shown
in FIG.
13. In this particular example, the ancillary device is a biopsy probe 18 that
includes
a base 44 for coupling with a portion of a C-arm 84 in a diagnostic station
16. As
shown, the base 44 has a male feature 450 that is configured to activate a
microswitch. Alternatively, male feature 450 may be provided on the upper
portion
56 of biopsy probe 18 or elsewhere. C-arm 84 of the present example has a
complimentary female feature 452 that includes a microswitch that is
configured to be
engaged by male feature 450. In particular, when biopsy probe 18 is fully
engaged
with C-arm 84, male feature 450 engages female feature 452 to close the
microswitch.
Closure of the microswitch may be required in order for system 200 and/or
biopsy
probe 18 to be fully operable. In addition or in the alternative, an adaptor
or
connector could also include a proprietary electronic connector. Other ways in
which


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
an authenticating physical connection may be provided will be apparent to
those of
ordinary skill in the art.

[0068] Similarly, in some embodiments, an automatic ancillary device
identifier 136
facilitates automatic identification and/or calibration of an ancillary device
mounted
to the diagnostic station 16, such as a biopsy probe 138 of the biopsy system
120 of a
certain length. Using an embedded memory or processor, the station 16
interrogates
and identifies the device 138. The diagnostic station 16 may make decisions
about
whether or not the device 138 can be used. For instance, serial number
identification
as well as product type and/or use history may be referenced for purposes of
avoiding
possibly dangerous reuse of a previously used disposable component.
Unrecognized
product types may be prevented from use, or only have limited uses available,
to
avoid incompatible or unvalidated combinations.

[0069] It will be appreciated that disposable articles that are appropriate
for the
installed equipment may be stored integral to the table 12 with an inventory
maintained. In order to prevent use of an incorrect type of disposable
component, the
proper inventory item may be identified based upon a procedure that is user
selected
and/or by identification of an installed component. This proper disposable
component
may further be automatically dispensed by the diagnostic station 16. For
repeated
operations, a disposable unit (not shown) for biohazards may further be
mounted or
integrated with the diagnostic station 16, prompting the user to throw away
such
components after use, prior to moving on to other activities, to minimize
contact
hazards. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each individual ancillary device
carries
a unique identification, such that use of each individual ancillary device may
be
logged and tracked. In such embodiments, the system 200 may track use of a
given
individual ancillary device. To the extent that such an ancillary device is
only
supposed to be used once (e.g., disposable device, etc.), the system 200 may
prevent
subsequent use of such a device. Similarly, to the extent that a disposable
unit for
biohazards is be mounted or integrated with the diagnostic station 16, use of
such a
disposable unit may be monitored. For instance, where the system 200 detects
that a
disposable ancillary device or component has been used, the system 200 may
prevent
operability of at least a portion of the system 200 until it detects that the
disposable


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
ancillary device or component has been properly disposed of in the disposable
unit.
Suitable techniques for carrying such procedures out will be apparent to those
of
ordinary skill in the art, as will other ways in which a system 200 may handle
single-
use (e.g., disposable) devices or components.

[0070] Referring back to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, ancillary device
identification
and/or authentication (e.g., routine 300 and/or routine 400) may be performed,
at least
in part, within user interface 122. In addition or in the alternative,
ancillary device
identification and/or authentication may be performed, at least in part, in a
remote
device 220 (e.g., via network 222, etc.). For instance, a list of identifying
information
for authentic or permissible devices may be stored in a remote device 220 and
referenced therefrom. Other suitable locations where ancillary device
identification
and/or authentication may be performed, including combinations of such
locations,
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, it will
be
appreciated that results of ancillary device identification and/or
authentication may be
rendered, at least in part, on a user interface display 202. For instance, a
user
interface display 202 may display the model type/number and manufacturer of an
ancillary device that is coupled with the system 200. Furthermore, a user
interface
display 202 may display a message indicating whether the ancillary device is
authentic, whether full functions will be permitted (e.g., based on
authentication, etc.),
or other identification/authentication related information. A user interface
display
202 may also render information regarding the use of an ancillary device
(e.g., how
many times it has been used, when it was used, etc.), and/or even information
broken
down based on particular components of such a device. Other types of
information
that may be displayed on a user interface display 202 before, during, and/or
after
ancillary device identification and/or authentication will be apparent to
those of
ordinary skill in the art.

[0071] Integrated Utilities

[0072] Third, in some embodiments, a merely illustrative example of which is
depicted in FIG. 14, a diagnostic station 16 may include integrated utilities
140,
including fluid capture vessel 142 (e.g., a canister, bag or pouch, etc.),
fluid and
vacuum supply 144 (e.g., vacuum canisters, vacuum pump, pass-through or
regulated


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
conduits that may be attached to a wall vacuum port, etc.), thereby minimizing
space
requirements and reducing the likelihood of inadvertent exposure of personnel
to
potentially contaminated biohazards. The fluid capture and vacuum capabilities
may
be advantageously readily detachable for repair, replacement, and cleaning.

[0073] Integrated utilities 140 may also include a saline supply 146 (or
supply of any
other type of fluid) for flushing of a biopsy probe 138 or for other purposes.
Of
course, in some embodiments, saline supply 146, and/or vacuum supply 144,
among
other components, may be omitted. In the present example, however, vacuum
supply
144, fluid capture vessel 142 and saline supply 146 are in communication with
biopsy
device 214 via a multi-lumen conduit 154. Wile multi-lumen conduit 154 of the
present example has a unitary construction, alternative embodiments may use a
plurality of separate and discrete conduits to provide fluid communication. A
multi-
lumen conduit 154 and/or connectors for a multi-lumen conduit 154 may be
proprietary (e.g., to prevent unauthorized couplings) or may be formed of
commercial
off the shelf conduit, etc. Various ways in which a multi-lumen conduit 154
may be
configured, and ways in which a multi-lumen conduit 154 may be coupled with
diagnostic station 16 and biopsy device 214, will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill
in the art.

[0074] Integrated utilities 140 may further include an electrical power supply
(PS)
148 with the desired voltage regulation through a regulator 150. As shown,
power
supply 148 is provided within diagnostic station 16, but in other embodiments,
power
is provided by an external source or adapter (e.g., through an adapter mounted
to table
12, etc.). At least one cable 156 may be used to connect a biopsy controller
216 with
power regulator 150 in order to provide power to biopsy device 214. For
instance,
biopsy device 214 may draw power from power source 148 via cable 156 during
use
of biopsy device 214. Alternatively or in addition, as described in greater
detail
below, biopsy controller 216 may draw power from power source 148 via cable
156
when biopsy device 214 is not in use, such as to charge a battery supply 152.

[0075] In some embodiments, a more autonomous, legacy ancillary device,
depicted
as the biopsy system 120, may include a battery power supply 152 that would be
trickle charged by the power supply 148 of the diagnostic station 16 via cable
156.


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
Although such a battery power supply 152 may be integral to the biopsy system
120,
the battery power supply 152 may comprise a replacement battery module. One or
more battery receptacles 158 may be formed into the diagnostic station 16 such
that
one or more replacement batteries 152 may be charged in advance and are
readily
locatable.

[0076] As is also shown in FIG. 14, a data/command communicator 160 may be
integral with diagnostic station 16. For instance, data/command communicator
160
may serve as a relay or intermediary between user interface 122 and biopsy
controller
216. As is also shown, data and/or commands that are provided through
data/command communicator 150 may be communicated to and/or from biopsy
controller 216 via cable 156. Of course, data and/or commands may be
communicated wirelessly instead, such as by any of the wireless communication
structures or techniques described herein, among others. It will also be
appreciated
that cable 156 and diagnostic station 16 may be provided with proprietary or
custom
connectors (not shown), such that standard off the shelf cables cannot be used
for
cable 156. For instance, the configuration and operability of cable 156 may be
provided in a manner to ensure authentication of cable 156 that may be used to
couple
a biopsy system 120 or other ancillary device with diagnostic table 16.

[0077] Of course, the integrated utilities 140 explicitly noted above and
illustrated in
FIG. 14 are merely exemplary, and it will be appreciated that any of those
utilities 140
may be omitted, substituted, or supplemented as desired. Furthermore, other
types of
integrated utilities 140 may be provided. By way of example only, one or more
mechanical utilities (not shown), such as a source of mechanical power (e.g.,
direct
drive) in lieu of or in addition to electrical power, may be provided as an
integrated
utility 140. Another merely exemplary integrated utility 140 may include a
source of
pressurized air (not shown), such as to power a pneumatic biopsy device or
other
device. Additional integrated utilities 140 may include a mounting location or
pump
(not shown) for liquids, such as therapeutic liquids, or a source of hydraulic
power.
Other suitable utilities 140 that may be integrated with a diagnostic station
16 will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will
also appreciate that one or more integrated utilities 140 may be permanently
mounted


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
on or in diagnostic station 16, or may be removable and/or accessible for
replenishment (e.g. saline, vacuum canisters, etc.) or maintenance.

[0078] It will be appreciated that operability of one or more of the above-
noted
integrated utilities 140 may be restricted, at least in part, based on
ancillary device
identification and/or authentication, such as the identification and
authentication
routines 300, 400 discussed above, or based on other considerations or
processes.

[0079] Integrated Surgical, Therapy, and Diagnostic Devices

[0080] Fourth, in some embodiments, an integrated imaging, biopsy and
treatment
system 14 includes a therapy controller 148 and an active treatment element
150,
which may create a surgical effect, a therapeutic effect, and/or a diagnostic
effect. By
way of example only, a surgical element that may be integrated into the system
200
may include one that is operable to coagulate, remove, or otherwise perform a
surgical function on tissue, etc. For instance, examples of treatment systems
may
include devices using radio frequency (e.g., VALLEYLAB FORCE FX general
purpose RF generators, etc.), laser (e.g., Lumenis Versapulse laser system,
etc.),
ultrasound, microwave (e.g., VIVAWAVE microwave system), ultrasonics (e.g.,
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, Cincinnati, OH Harmonic Scalpel generator), high
intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) (e.g., SONOBLATE system), etc., any or all
of
which may be integrated or incorporated into the diagnostic station 16 or
otherwise
integrated or incorporated into the system 200 in accordance with the
teachings
herein.

[0081] By way of illustration, an example of a harmonic device 500 (e.g.,
harmonic
scalpel) being incorporated into the system 200 is illustrated in FIG. 15. As
shown, a
controller 502 and a harmonic energy source 504 are integral with a table 12.
A
harmonic device 500 is in communication with controller 502 and harmonic
energy
source 504 via a proprietary connector 506. User control of harmonic device
500 is
provided via the integrated user interface 122, which is communicatively
coupled
with controller 502. Other ways in which a harmonic device 500 (or any other
surgical device) may be integrally incorporated into a system 200 will be
apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, identification and/or
authentication of


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
a harmonic device 500 (or any other surgical device) may be provided in
accordance
with routines 300, 400 described herein or otherwise, thereby regulating
operability of
such devices based on identification and/or authentication.

[0082] Merely illustrative examples of therapy elements that may be integrated
into
the system 200 may include those that are operable to provide ablation (e.g.,
cryoablation, RF ablation, etc.), conductive thermal energy (e.g.,
THERMACHOICE
by Johnson & Johnson), irradiation, such as traditional brachytherapy systems,
and
interstitial X-ray systems such as the AXXENT electronic brachytherapy system
by
Xoft Inc., etc. One such example is shown in FIG. 16. In this example, a
controller
602 and a power supply 604 are integral with a table 12. An interstitial X-ray
brachytherapy end effector 600 (e.g., a disposable surgical x-ray tube) is in
communication with controller 602 and power supply 604 via a proprietary
connector
606. User control of brachytherapy end effector 600 is provided via the
integrated
user interface 122, which is communicatively coupled with controller 602.
Other
ways in which a brachytherapy end effector 600 (or any other therapeutic
device) may
be integrally incorporated into a system 200 will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill
in the art. Furthermore, identification and/or authentication of a
brachytherapy end
effector 600 (or any other therapeutic device) may be provided in accordance
with
routines 300, 400 described herein or otherwise, thereby regulating
operability of such
devices based on identification and/or authentication.

[0083] In the present example, the controller 134 references an image
processing unit
152 to analyze the images produced for generating spatial coordinates for
directing an
X-Y control 154 that positions the movable table 55 of the biopsy system 120.
The
diagnostic image is produced from an X-ray source, depicted as the tube head
86. An
active treatment element 150 may be guided to these spatial coordinates
accordingly,
before, during, or after guidance of a biopsy device 214 to such coordinates,
or even
where a biopsy device 214 is not provided or otherwise used. For instance, as
described in greater detail below, an active treatment element 150 may be
configured
to cooperate with a biopsy device 214, such that at least a portion of the
active
treatment element 150 may be introduced through a lumen of the biopsy device
214
that has been inserted into a patient. In other words, an active treatment
element 150


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
may be positioned at a biopsy site without having to be separately targeted
and/or
guided to the biopsy site. Of course, while targeting in the present example
is
provided through diagnostic imaging produced from an X-ray source, it will be
appreciated that targeting may be based on any other fonrn of imaging or using
any
other suitable techniques and/or coordinate systems.

[0084] A biopsy system 120 may also provide a through-lumen or have a
detachable
back portion to leave the biopsy probe 138 in place for follow-on treatment
through
the access provided to the tissue in the biopsy site, complimenting the
already
synergistic capabilities of a mobile treatment facility or an otherwise
integrated
system 200. Illustrative examples of such biopsy probes 138 are described in
U.S.
Pub. Nos. 2003/0199754, entitled "Method for using an MRI Compatible Biopsy
Device with Detachable Probe;" and 2005/0277829, entitled "MBI Biopsy
Apparatus
Incorporating a Sleeve and Multi-function Obturator," the disclosures of which
are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. By way of example only,
such
treatment may include insertion of an X-ray tube stylet, such as for
performing
electronic interstitial brachytherapy, sized for insertion through the biopsy
probe 138;
temporary disposal of a radioactive element in tissue for brachytherapy;
disposal of
one or more markers to mark the site of the biopsy; excision of tissue if
pathology
determines that the biopsy was cancerous; post-operative drainage of biopsy
site;
interstitial laser treatment; RF treatment; cryotherapy; etc. Other procedures
that may
be performed through a left-in biopsy probe 138 will be apparent to those of
ordinary
skill in the art.

[0085] While in some embodiments, a biopsy probe 138 is left in place (e.g.,
still
inserted in a patient) while the rest of the biopsy device 214 is removed to
permit
proximal access through the biopsy probe 138, in other embodiments, the biopsy
device 214 is configured to permit access to the biopsy site through the
biopsy probe
138 without requiring any components of the biopsy device 214 to be detached
from
the biopsy probe 138. For instance, a lumen may extend from the side aperture
28 all
the way to the proximal end or a proximal portion of the biopsy device 214 in
order to
permit access to the biopsy site from the proximal end or portion of the
biopsy device
214. In such embodiments, a biopsy device 214 may include a movable cover or


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
other feature to permit full proximal access to such a lumen. It will be
appreciated
that, in some instances, when a biopsy probe 138 is left in place within a
patient after
the rest of a biopsy device 214 has been removed, the biopsy probe 138 may no
longer be fixed relative to the table 12 (e.g., the remainder of biopsy device
214
remains fixed to table 12, but not the probe 138), such that a patient may be
repositioned to facilitate treatment or other processes through probe 138.
Other ways
in which access to a biopsy site may be permitted through a lumen (e.g.,
through a
piercer lumen 30 extending through a piercer tube 24 that remains inserted in
a patient
before or after a biopsy sample has been taken) will be apparent to those of
ordinary
skill in the art.

[0086] As suggested above, in some embodiments, a therapeutic agent or device
is
introduced through a lumen of a biopsy device 214 that is left inserted in a
patient
(e.g., within a cavity left after a biopsy sample is taken). For example, in
some
instances, there may be benefits to providing a therapeutic dose of ionizing
radiation
or other therapeutic agent to specific tissue (e.g., to irradiate a tumor). An
example of
such as device is the AXXENT interstitial X-ray system from Xoft Inc., which
provides an intersitital x-ray tube to irradiate targeted tissue. Precise
placement of
such treatment directly to the affected tissue without damaging healthy tissue
may
have particular advantages in some situations, such as if a second procedure
is
avoided following a biopsy procedure. Combining tissue biopsy and therapeutic
treatment may provide a simpler, more integrated, and more effective system,
reducing the need to re-target tissue after biopsy under certain
circumstances. The
therapeutic device or agent may be introduced through the lumen of the piercer
tube
24, into the cavity left by the biopsy, allowing the therapy to be targeted to
the
suspicious tissue. For example, the AXXENT interstitial X-ray system from Xoft
Inc.
includes an interstitial source of therapeutic X-rays. This source could be
deployed
through the piercer tube 24 to access the targeted tissue. Without being so
introduced,
the tissue may need to otherwise be re-targeted during a later therapeutic
procedure,
potentially adding cost and potentially unnecessary X-ray exposure to the
patient.


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
[0087] Alternatively, a device for administering a local anesthetic or other
fluid or
material may be introduced in such a lumen, before, during, or after a biopsy
being
performed.

[0088] Similarly, some embodiments may include the introduction of a separate
cannula (not shown) to the surgical site before a biopsy is performed, such
that the
biopsy probe 138 is inserted through the cannula to obtain one or more tissue
samples.
It will be appreciated that any component or procedure that may be introduced
or
performed through biopsy probe 138 as described herein may also be introduced
or
performed through such a cannula, among other components or procedures.

[0089] In other applications, a diagnostic device (not shown) may be
introduced in
the same lumen (e.g., the lumen of the piercer tube 24, etc.), prior to,
during, and/or
after any biopsy being performed. Such a device may include a means for
determining the need for tissue removal. Examples of suitable diagnostic
devices or
diagnostic technologies that may be used may include, but certainly need not
be
limited to, any of the following: fluid aspiration; molecular assay (e.g.,
sucb as a
GENESEARCH BLN Assay by Veridex, LLC of Warren, New Jersey); a
bioconjugate that emits a near-infrared light or other indication when
injected (e.g.,
"tumor painting"); electromagnetic fringe field sensor (e.g., such as by Dune
Medical
Devices Ltd. of Caesarea Industrial Park, Israel); spectroscopy, such as
ambient mass
spectroscopy (e.g., desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)); etc.,
including
combinations thereof. Of course, just as a surgical or therapeutic device may
be
integrated or incorporated witb a table 12 or otherwise integrated or
incorporated with
a system 200, so may a diagnostic device. Similarly, identification and/or
authentication of such a diagnostic device may be provided in accordance with
routines 300, 400 described herein or otherwise.

[0090] In still other embodiments, a diagnostic device is located on a table
12 or near
the proximal end of a biopsy device 214, and is not inserted through the lumen
of a
piercer tube 24. For instance, a diagnostic device may be positioned such
that, as
tissue is extracted from a patient, it can be immediately analyzed to
determine, in
substantially real time, if the excised tissue samples are benign or
suspicious. Still


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
other suitable locations, positions, and uses of diagnostic devices will be
apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0091] Regardless of whether additional devices are provided for surgical,
therapeutic, or diagnostic purposes (or for other purposes), it will be
appreciated that
all or part of such devices may be integrated into the system 200 in a manner
similar
to that described elsewhere herein with respect to integrating a biopsy system
120 or
other ancillary device with system 200. For instance, where an ancillary
device that is
used for surgical, therapeutic, or diagnosdc purposes uses an energy source,
integration of the device with the system 200 may be permanent, or may be
operable
with an energy source that is removable for repair, upgrade, or use in another
setting.
This integration may be merely physical (e.g., an energy source physically
mounted
on or in the table 12, etc.), or may be more complete with electrical power,
control
signals, or even user interface and interaction provided through the table and
its
control systems (e.g., through the user interface 122 described above). In the
present
example, surgical energy delivery is available through a connector (not shown)
or
other attachment to a handpiece (not shown) or disposable energy delivery
device (not
shown).

[0092] To the extent that a device other than a biopsy device 214 is provided
for
surgical, therapeutic, or diagnostic purposes (or for other purposes), and to
the extent
that such a device requires physical connection of a cable, fluid conduit, or
other
component with some integral component of the table 12 or other part of the
system
200 (e.g., control to power source 148, data/command communicator 160, etc.),
such
connections may be proprietary or customized in order to prevent coupling of
standard off the shelf cables, fluid conduits, etc. Similarly, where an
electronic
connection is wireless, a particular encryption or handshake may be used,
among
other techniques described elsewhere herein to prevent full operability with
respect to
unauthorized ancillary devices. The system may thus treat such ancillary
devices in a
manner similar to those described above with respect to routines 300, 400.

[0093] In addition, where an additional generator or source of energy, fluid,
etc., is
required for operability of a non-biopsy device for diagnostic, surgical, or
therapeutic
use, such a source may be integral with the system 200 similar to vacuum
source 144,


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
saline source 16, etc. described elsewhere herein. Such an additional source
may
include a feature that requires a proprietary or customized connector or
communication protocol, etc., as described elsewhere herein, in order for the
ancillary
device to obtain whatever resource is provided by the source. Non-exhaustive
examples of such additional sources may include an RF generator, a laser
generator,
an ultrasonic generator, a HIFU generator, a microwave generator, an X-ray
generator, etc., any of which may be provided as an integral component of a
table 12
or otherwise as an integral component of the system 200.

[0094] Furthermore, efficiency in performing biopsies, especially in a remote
location, may be enhanced by an ability to perform at least a cursory
pathology
evaluation immediately after acquisition of biopsy samples. To that end, the
tube
head 86 may be rotated to an offset position aimed at a biopsy container, such
as a
cylinder sample drum 162. Each sample may be indexed for pneumatic insertion
into
a respective sample vial 164 with the last received being imaged upon a sample
image
receptor 166 for analysis by the image processing unit 152. Confirmation of
the
presence of calcifications may be sufficient to confirm that samples of a
lesion of
interest have been obtained. It should be appreciated that the single user
interface 122
may be in wireless or landline communication with a pathology work station
(not
shown) for real-time or near real time detailed assessment of the biopsy
samples. Of
course, a cylinder sample drum 162, sample vial 164, and/or sample image
receptor
166 may be integrated into system 200 (e.g., integral with diagnostic table
16) in any
suitable fashion, such as in accordance with any of the integrating techniques
and
structures described herein.

[0095] It will also be appreciated that, in some embodiments, in lieu of a
tethered
remote control, a wireless foot control 158 may be used for actuating the
biopsy
system 120. To avoid inadvertent actuation of different diagnostic stations
16,
various safety interlocks and handshaking routines may be selected. For
example, a
line-of-sight, range limitation may be imposed upon transmission. As another
example, an enabling routine may recall simultaneous sequences of control
actuations
on both the foot control 148 and the single user interface 122 to confirm a
paired
arrangement. Third, a serialized code selector may be encoded into both the
wireless


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
foot control 158 and an ancillary transceiver 160 of the diagnostic station 16
to
enforce a dedicated arrangement. Fourth, a recharging station (not shown) on
the
diagnostic station 16 may be present. A wireless foot control 158 may be
required to
be placed into the recharging station for both recharging and for a keyed
recognition
within a certain time period before use.

[0096] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other
disclosure
material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference
herein is
incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not
conflict
with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth
in this
disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly
set forth
herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.
Any
material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference
herein, but
which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure
material set
forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises
between that
incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0097] While the present invention has been illustrated by description of
several
embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in
considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or
in any way
limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages
and
modifications may readily appear to those skilled in the art.

[0098] For example, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present
invention
alternatively may be applied to other patient support structures, such as the
SENOGRAPHE DS by GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, dba GE Healthcare of
the United Kingdom, aspects of which are believed to be described in U.S. Pat.
No.
6,611,575, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
Still other suitable patient support structures will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill
in the art.

[0099] For another example, while an X-ray imaging modality is described in
the
illustrative versions, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present
invention
have application to other types of diagnostic imaging currently known or to be


CA 02679932 2009-09-02
WO 2008/109247 PCT/US2008/054230
developed. By way of example only, suitable alternative imaging techniques may
include positive emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
computed tomography (CT), or ultrasound, among others.

[00100] As yet another example, interfacing between the biopsy system 120 and
the
table 12 may reduce the presence of numerous cable and hoses by routing all or
substantially all of the necessary conduits and connections through a single
mounting
that is physically arranged for installation of appropriately verified
devices. Electrical
and/or physical identification features may configure appropriate electrical,
and
communication, pneumatic, and fluid supplies to be provided.

[00101] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present
invention,
further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be
accomplished
by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from
the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications
have been
mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For
instance, the
examples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and
the like
discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope
of the
present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is
understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown
and
described in the specification and drawings.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2008-02-19
(87) PCT Publication Date 2008-09-12
(85) National Entry 2009-09-02
Examination Requested 2009-12-11
Dead Application 2014-10-21

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2013-10-21 R30(2) - Failure to Respond
2014-02-19 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2009-09-02
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2009-09-02
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2009-09-02
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2009-09-02
Application Fee $400.00 2009-09-02
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2010-02-19 $100.00 2009-09-02
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2009-12-08
Request for Examination $800.00 2009-12-11
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2011-02-21 $100.00 2011-02-02
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2011-09-19
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2011-09-19
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2012-02-20 $100.00 2012-01-31
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2013-02-19 $200.00 2013-02-04
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS, INC.
Past Owners on Record
DIETZ, TIMOTHY G.
ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
HIBNER, JOHN A.
RITCHIE, PAUL G.
SPEEG, TREVOR W.V.
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

To view selected files, please enter reCAPTCHA code :



To view images, click a link in the Document Description column. To download the documents, select one or more checkboxes in the first column and then click the "Download Selected in PDF format (Zip Archive)" or the "Download Selected as Single PDF" button.

List of published and non-published patent-specific documents on the CPD .

If you have any difficulty accessing content, you can call the Client Service Centre at 1-866-997-1936 or send them an e-mail at CIPO Client Service Centre.


Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2009-09-02 2 72
Claims 2009-09-02 17 625
Drawings 2009-09-02 8 162
Description 2009-09-02 35 1,362
Representative Drawing 2009-11-19 1 10
Cover Page 2009-11-19 2 49
Description 2009-12-08 35 1,224
Claims 2009-12-08 17 587
Drawings 2009-12-08 16 243
Claims 2013-03-13 4 137
Description 2013-03-13 35 1,285
Correspondence 2010-02-23 1 15
PCT 2009-09-02 2 74
Assignment 2009-09-02 24 780
Correspondence 2009-10-26 1 36
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-12-08 71 2,146
Assignment 2009-12-08 3 134
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-12-11 2 72
Assignment 2011-09-19 9 367
Prosecution-Amendment 2013-03-13 19 780
Prosecution-Amendment 2012-09-13 3 86
Prosecution-Amendment 2013-04-19 3 134
Correspondence 2016-06-10 11 540
Correspondence 2016-06-21 11 554
Correspondence 2016-06-30 8 429
Office Letter 2016-08-09 1 45
Office Letter 2016-08-10 2 66